Bursary deadlines.

What deadlines are

A bursary is a means-tested reduction in fees, awarded on financial need rather than merit and assessed against household income, savings, property and the number of dependent children. Awards commonly run from 10% to 100% of fees. Most schools require a separate application with supporting financial evidence, and many carry out a home visit before confirming.

Frequently asked questions

When are bursary application deadlines?

Most fall between October and December for the following September's entry, and at many schools the bursary deadline is earlier than the registration deadline — sometimes by several weeks. A few schools set theirs as early as September. Because means-testing takes time, schools rarely extend them.

What income qualifies for a bursary?

There is no single threshold; each school sets its own and assesses the whole financial picture, not just salary. As a rough guide, many schools begin tapering support at a gross household income around £45,000–£60,000 and stop at £100,000–£120,000, but savings, investments, equity in property, business interests and the number of children in fee-paying education all affect the outcome.

What documents does a bursary application need?

Typically the last two or three years of P60s or tax returns, recent payslips, bank and savings statements, a mortgage statement or tenancy agreement, and details of any other assets or income. Self-employed applicants are usually asked for full business accounts. Assembling these is what makes an early start matter.

Does applying for a bursary affect my child's chances of a place?

Schools state that admission and bursary decisions are made separately, and entry is decided on the assessment. In practice bursary funds are finite, so an offer of a place does not guarantee an award — and some schools will only confirm the financial package after the academic outcome is known.

When do bursary decisions arrive?

Usually alongside or shortly after the offer, in February or March, so families know the real cost before the acceptance deadline. Where a home visit is required it normally happens between the assessment and the offer.